The Manifestation of the Family Deities of Nandi Bari – Sri Sri Radha Madhav Jiu and the Vishnu Shila, also known as Sri Sri Raghunath Jiu

**Hari Smaranam**

Nandi Bari, Chirimarsai, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal – 721101

The members of the Nandi Bari family were devoted Shaiva and Shakta worshippers in both heart and soul. Therefore, they constructed a Shiva Temple and a Chandi Mandap.

Every year, they observed Shivaratri and worshipped Dashabhuja Thakurani with great devotion. After the advent of **Chaitanya Mahaprabhu** on 18th February 1483, countless people of Bengal immersed themselves in the ocean of devotion through the chanting of Krishna’s holy name and divine love.

Lord Narayan of Vaikuntha was once considered a distant deity, residing far away across countless yojanas. But Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu bridged that immense distance and made God an intimate presence within the human heart. The touch of his divine love and the path of prema-dharma deeply influenced this family as well.

From that time onward began the Vaishnav devotional tradition within the household. As a result, idols of Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Sri Sri Radharani, and Sri Sri Raghunath Jiu—made of kashti stone and brass—were installed. Thereafter, festivals such as Rasa Utsav, Chachuri, Jhulan, Rath Yatra, Dol Utsav, and many others began to be celebrated. Truly, it became a tradition of “thirteen festivals in twelve months.” Even today, though not with the same former grandeur, all these rituals and festivals are observed by the descendants with the Lord’s grace.

Not only were the members of this lineage devoted to religion, but they were also patrons of education. The sacred land of Lord Radha Madhav was donated by the family for the education of the local people. On that land stands **Sri Sri Radhamadhab Jiu High School*, located in Bhim Chak, Paschim Medinipur. Even today, many students continue to receive their education there.

Hari Smaranam~~